Standing at nearly 40 metres tall if you include its pedestal, the Christ the Redeemer statue dominates the Guanabara Bay skyline, and its presence can be felt in many nearby surroundings.

However, perhaps because of its size and influence, people generally imagine that getting to the statue won’t be too much of a challenge.

And while it’s certainly not a treacherous journey that should give the ordinary person cause for concern, getting there can be a bit of a shock if you were just expecting a walk in the park.

Therefore, preparation is necessary to get ready for experiencing Christ the Redeemer in person. Here’s a few things you can do to make your trip that much easier.

1. Plan your journey

First off, you will need to decide how you’re going to get there in the first place. This entirely depends on how much energy you are willing and able to spend travelling to the statue, as well as what kind of experience you’re looking to have.

There are two options which are better suited for the less physically capable or those who are just looking to take it easy. You can take a taxi to the Paineiras car park from your hotel and then get a combined ticket for a van up to the statue, which is also inclusive of your entrance fee.

The advantage here are that it is quick and hassle-free, however, you miss so much of the beauty of the mountain.

Alternatively, you can take a train from the base of Corcovado. This is a good compromise, as it’s easy and fairly fast but you still get to see so much more of the beautiful forests in the area.

Finally, you can walk. The path behind Parque Lage takes you through the forest and up the mountain. It can be tough and time consuming, but you are more than rewarded in beauty and memories.

2. Plan when you are going

As the statue is such a popular icon, some visiting times are best avoided, especially if you dislike crowds. Both the carnival and Christmas periods stand out as the most hectic, which is something you often have to consider when planning holidays to Brazil in general.

You can also find yourself stuck for space if you go on weekends. So, in order to enjoy the statue to the fullest, it’s best to visit in the morning and ideally on a weekday.

This way, you not only avoid the biggest crowds, but also the worst of the heat. Speaking of which….

3. Anticipate the weather

This may come as little surprise, but holidaying in Brazil can get rather hot. This is especially true if you’re visiting between January and March, when temperatures can pass 100°F.